Five years after his untimely death, Michael Jackson not only reigns as the King of Pop, but also as an artist that still continues to influence musicians everywhere.
That’s why Pop’s reigning queen, Beyoncé took time out to pen a heartfelt letter on her website to celebrate the man who served as her sonic blueprint.
Under the title “Inspiration Michael Jackson,” Bey posted a black and white photograph circa 1972 of the “Thriller” icon, with a four-paragraph edict dedicated to how the late singer shaped her as an artist.
Here is the tribute:
When I was just starting out, my first producer used to make me listen to Michael Jackson’s live performance of “Who’s Loving You.” He would have me watch that for hours back to back to back.
What he wanted me to learn was his soul. You could hear his soul. And he was this little kid who hadn’t experienced love but he was a vessel. For whatever reason he could evoke more emotion than an adult. It was so raw and so pure. It was these little things that he did that were just swag. It’s something that’s God given.
Michael taught me that sometimes you have to forget technique, forget what you have on. If you feel silly, you have to go from the gut just let it go.
Michael Jackson changed me, and helped me to become the artist I am thank you Michael.
Love always,
B
